Jang had been accused of "attempting to overthrow the state," after having served for many years as a key advisor for the Kim dynasty. At his execution, Kim also accused him of corruption, womanizing, gambling, and drug use before calling him "despicable human scum."

Still, there are reasons to be speculative about this report. Because North Korea is so restricted about sharing information, it's near-impossible to confirm such stories (NBC News tried and failed to do so.) Additionally, as TIME points out, other reporting on Jang doesn't necessarily support the rumor: Jang was executed by "traditional means," stated the New York Times at the time.

However, as TIME writes: "The version of events jibes well with media accounts that portray Kim Jong Un as a Dr. Evil-esque figure, a clownish, brutal young despot that finds amusement in wielding his terrible power." Adds Emily Rauhala: "It feels possible that such an over-the-top crime would warrant an over-the-top punishment."